“Go Therefore and Keep Things Comfortable.”

The Book of Illusions Chapter 6 verse 5...

A Holy, Slightly Terrifying Invitation

“No one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins… New wine must be poured into new wineskins.” — Luke 5:37–38

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19

When Thriving Looks Like Obedience (and Feels Like Heartburn)

Let’s just say the quiet part out loud:

Change is scary.

Not “oops, I tried a new coffee creamer” scary.
More like “we’re launching a new service, shifting worship times, upgrading music equipment, and—brace yourselves—new people might show up” scary.

Yes. Those changes.

And before anyone asks: No, churches don’t magically grow by doing everything exactly the same forever. If that were true, the Book of Acts would be a pamphlet and Jesus would have said, “Go therefore and keep things comfortable.”

He did not say that.

What we’re stepping into at Heritage Church isn’t trendy or reckless. It’s holy obedience.

It’s the long, faithful work of ensuring that this church doesn’t just exist, but thrives—for the next generation, and the next, and the next.

A Gentle Reminder (with Love): We’re Not New Anymore

Heritage has been faithful for a long time. That’s a gift.
But let’s be honest—we’re not a brand-new startup church with gobs of reserves and a fog machine budget.

We are stewards.
We are builders repairing the walls while people still live inside the city.
And we are responding to a God who keeps saying, “I’m not done here.”

Launching a new service costs money.
Upgrading equipment costs money.

Making room for people who don’t look like us, sing like us, or show up when we expect them to costs comfort.

But the Great Commission costs everything—and Jesus already paid the highest price to start it.

The Uncomfortable Truth About Change

Nobody likes change.
Not the Israelites.
Not the disciples.
Not you.
Not me.

But every meaningful move of God has always required someone to say,
“Okay Lord… I don’t love this, but I trust You.”

If Heritage never changes, it will eventually close its doors—not because God failed, but because we refused to move when He called.

And that would be tragic.

This Is Where You Come In (Yes, You)

God may be calling you—not just to attend church, but to enter into something eternal.
To invest in ministries that are expanding.
To help fund a future where lives are changed, disciples are made, and the gospel keeps echoing long after we’re gone.

This is why we’re inviting you to give a year-end offering gift.

Not out of guilt.
Not out of pressure.
But out of purpose.

Because generosity fuels mission.
And mission is why we exist.

A Very Real Thank You

To those of you who have already given—thank you.
Your faithfulness matters more than you know.
You are literally helping write the next chapter of Heritage Church.

To those praying about it—we’re grateful for you too. Ask God. Listen. Obey.

Final Word from Your Pastor

Heritage Church is worth fighting for.
The gospel is worth funding.
And the future is worth the discomfort.

Let’s pour new wine into new wineskins.
Let’s make disciples.
Let’s be brave enough to trust God with change.

Grace and peace (and new worship times starting on Dec 28th-9 and 11)

Rev. John

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Heritage Congregational Notice

This Sunday, as part of our worship service, we will hold a very brief congregational meeting to elect Elders Ann Peterson and Jim Lower, and Deacon Betty Brown to serve in the Class of 2028.

Thank you for your continued prayerful participation in the life and leadership of our church.